Nothing Without Us

 In this episode, I am going to be sharing some of my personal story of the last year that really changed everything I thought I knew about accessibility, vulnerability, and what it really means to ask for help.   Over the course of the next two episodes, I'm going to invite you to grab your journal. and reflect alongside me as we explore some questions that I hope might change how you think about...

In this episode, I’m speaking to Sajid Gulzar about growing up a first generation Muslim immigrant from Kashmir, in Birmingham UK. He talks about how his faith formed his identity as he grew up, what he does when protected characteristics seem to be at odds with one another, and how inspired he was by his father’s faith. Sajid Gulzar, OBE, is Principal of Kings’ School Al Barsha. He began his firs...

This episode is the second in our regular series of discussions between me and Headteacher Andy Bowman. Andy has bravely volunteered to appear on the podcast every series, to talk through his responses to the issue that we are thinking about, in the context of his own school and the wider community. In this episode, we’re talking about how faith has shaped the schools and community he serves, and...

It has been a privilege to have the conversations I have been holding during this series about faith and religious identity, but those conversations have also made me realise that so few people feel safe talking about these topics.  For the next two weeks, we are pausing to give ourselves the space to reflect on what we’ve heard so far, and to find ways to hold space for others within our communit...

It has been a privilege to have the conversations I have been holding during this series about faith and religious identity, but those conversations have also made me realise that so few people feel safe talking about these topics.  For the next two weeks, we are pausing to give ourselves the space to reflect on what we’ve heard so far, and to find ways to hold space for others within our communit...

In this episode, I’m speaking to Sufian Sadiq about being a Muslim in Britain, his experience of Islamophobia, and his reaction to the current situation in the Middle East and how it is being handled in British society. Sufian Sadiq is Director of Talent and Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust.  Find him on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sufian-sadiq-61b2b654 Sign up for our weekly ema...

In this episode, I’m speaking to Eylan Ezekiel about his Jewish identities, how he has navigated talking about the Middle East, and anti-semitism in schools, and how he thinks school leaders can approach these issues with empathy and compassion. Eylan Ezekiel   is  Head of Hamilton Brookes  - one of the most trusted voices in primary publishing. He is also an edtech consultant: supporting schools...

In this solo episode, I'm going to be setting the scene for the mini series ahead.  I had planned to talk in this season about the fact that perhaps we could, as educators have conversations in our schools about the Middle East. But as time has marched on, and we find ourselves witnessing everything that has unfolded, and continues to unfold in Gaza, I find myself without any sense-making tools, o...

Trigger warning - this episode contains discussion of baby loss and miscarriage. In this episode I talk to Emma Shepperd, Being Luminary Associate, about her research into the lived experience of teachers during their parenting journey. Emma also shares her best practice family policies for schools. Emma is the Founder of The MTPT Project, the UK’s charity for parent-teachers. A 2010 Teach First a...

In this episode, I’m joined by Leslie Medema, who along with her team, is currently working through the Being Luminary programme. We discuss her reflections on the issues of maternity and paternity, the particular and unusual circumstances of her school, and how she can synthesize the wide range of experiences within her school community to create a more human set of policies. In November 2011, Le...

This episode is the first of a regular series of discussions between me and Headteacher Andy Bowman. Andy has bravely volunteered to appear on the podcast every series, to talk through his responses to the issue that we are thinking about, in the context of his own school and the wider community. In this episode, you’ll get some background on Andy’s career and the school that he now leads, before...

Trigger Warning - As with all of our episodes, we are going to be delving into lived experience and in this episode, we will be discussing Katie's experience of baby loss. If this episode brings up anything for you that you would like support with, we encourage you to seek help from appropriate professionals or support groups, and we've listed a few below. In this episode, I’m talking to Katie Red...

This week in Nothing Without Us, I speak to Mars Lord about maternity and matressence for black and brown women. We explore how decolonising birth could and should be done. Mars is a Certified Life Coach and birth activist. She is the Leading Voice in Black Maternal Health and cultural competency. A multi award-winning doula, mentor, and Educator, she is on the RCOG Race Equality Taskforce and on...

Trigger warning - this episode contains a discussion of baby loss and miscarriage. This week in Nothing Without Us, I speak to Laura Nwanya, abuot her experience of having three children, while pursuing her career in primary education. Passionate about staff wellbeing and retaining incredible teachers in the profession, Laura knows a huge part of that is craeting family friendly schools - which ha...

In this solo episode, I'm going to be setting the scene for the mini series ahead. So today we are talking about equity and maternity. My starting point for the season was a story I read about the growing number of women on maternity leave who were being forced to use food banks. I started there, and this episode and this season ahead is where we went.  A full transcript of this episode can be fou...

Hi, I have an announcement, we are changing the name of the Being Luminary podcast, we're actually kind of introducing a brand new podcast. It's still going to be me, Angie Browne, I'm still going to be the host. And we're still going to be talking about diversity, equity and inclusion, of course. And I'm still going to be inviting every day, but by no means ordinary luminaries onto the podcast to...

In this eleventh and final episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Mars Lord. Mars is a doula, birth activist and life coach. We talk about considering the life arc of your colleagues and employees as you consider DEI matters, and staying curious. You can find out more about Mars here - www.marslord.co.uk Connect with Angie on her website - www.angel...

In this tenth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Alison Peacock. Alison is the CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching. We talk about what has changed in Alison's attitude to DEI, and how she thinks schools should approach the work now. You can find out more about Alison here - https://chartered.college/ Connect with Angie on her website - www....

In this ninth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Catarina Rivera. Catarina is a disability public speaker and DEI coach. We talk about intersectionality and disability, hidden disabilities in the workplace, and Catarina's hope for the future. You can find out more about Catarina here - www.catarinarivera.com Connect with Angie on her website - w...

In this eighth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Simone Seol. Simone is a coach and podcaster. We talk about Simone's approach to learning through her work, and why thinking of yourself as a good person is a block to change.  You can find out more about Simone here - www.simonegraceseol.com Connect with Angie on her website - www.angelabrowne.c...

In this  seventh episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Viv Grant. Viv is Director of Integrity Coaching, providing coaching and leadership training for school leaders. We talk about soul wounding, the need for self care in DEI work, and the depth of understanding needed to properly tackle racial injustice. You can find out more about Viv here - www...

In this  sixth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Iona Jackson. Iona Jackson heads the Insights Team at Edurio, and leads on a number of surveys for schools. We talk about the trends in DEI within educational settings, and the challenges of keeping DEI at the top of the agenda. You can find out more about Edurio here - https://home.edurio.com/ C...

In this  fifth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with David Bedrick. David Bedrick is a teacher, author, and psychological activist and founder of the Santa Fe Institute for Shame-Based Studies. We talk about the experience of shame and how to unearth it, and the value of storytelling in DEI work. You can find out more about David on his website - h...

In this  fourth episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Elizabeth Wright. Elizabeth  Wright is a disability allyship consultant, keynote speaker,  leadership coach and Paralympic medalist. We talk about  what  allyship means to her, and how we can move beyond performative  actions to real inclusivity. You can find out more about Elizabeth on her webs...

In this  third episode of our Reimagining DEI series, you will hear excerpts from my conversation with Claire Bloor. Claire Bloor is CEO of SARSAS, a sexual violence service supporting survivors of sexual violence across the Southwest. We talk about workplace approaches to responding to sexual violence and discrimination, and the work still to be done in this area. You can find out more about Clai...